All conversations with your insurer should start with ‘hey bae’… Because your insurer has your back and always wants what’s best for you. You should also get comfortable with using that scary 4-letter word that starts with ‘L’. That’s right: Life. Because your insurer knows that life happens, and they’re there to help you pick up the pieces when it doesn’t happen according to plan.
So, while we’re in the ‘month of love’, King Price Insurance’s Client Experience Partner, Wynand van Vuuren gives 5 good reasons to fall in love with your insurer:
- Insurance protects the things you love. Your car, your home and just about everything in it, your tablet and phone, and your shiny new engagement ring… All of these things should be protected against loss and damage with cover that’s right for your needs and at premiums your budget will love.
- Finance doesn’t just fall away if you no longer have your car. If you’ve financed your car, and it’s stolen or written-off, you’ll still need to pay the financing house what you owe them. This is why it’s compulsory to have comprehensive insurance before you can drive your newly-financed wheels off the showroom floor. If someone steals the car of your dreams (or even just the car you can afford for now) your insurer will settle a valid claim. There may be some terms and conditions to sort out, but all relationships are built on basic ground rules, right?
- Accidents are a part of life. According to the AA, there are around 12 million registered vehicles on SA’s roads – but only three out of every 10 are insured. So, if you’re involved in an accident, there’s a 70% chance of the other party not being able to cover any of the damage. Which means you cover all your own costs, and some of theirs if the accident is deemed to be even partly your fault. That’s where insurance is the best wingman you can have.
- Thieves want what’s yours. Last year, 60 cars were stolen in South Africa. Every. Single. Day. “Forget about someone stealing your girl. If your car is stolen tomorrow, would you be able to replace it? Probably not. So be smart,” says Van Vuuren.
- Liability: The other scary L-word. If you accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property, or even to road infrastructure like a stop-sign, you’re legally responsible for the costs. In the insurance world this is called third-party liability and, if you can’t afford comprehensive insurance, you should at least have liability cover. You know how some people say, ‘love you millions’? Well, millions is what you could be personally liable for if you don’t have insurance.
When you’re looking for an insurer, make sure to swipe right on the one that talks your language: Every-day English, with no tricky legalese. Easy-to-understand policy documents. Even a little humour here and there. Doing a quote should be like having a chat with a friend… Not an awkward first date… And there should definitely be no commitment at that stage! You should also choose an insurer that’s available online and on WhatsApp 24/7, so that managing your policy is easy and convenient, wherever you are and however late your Valentine’s date ends, says Van Vuuren.
